In the 1950s, the living conditions of leading cadres at all levels often became an important criterion for evaluating their moral character and effectiveness. Especially in the military, the style of an era and the personality of its leaders are often revealed through small things. Liu Yalou, as one of the builders of the new Chinese Air Force, his behavior, words and deeds not only affected his direct subordinates, but also reflected the style of the military leadership of that era. In that era when materials were scarce and the country was just standing up, honesty and honesty, hard work and simplicity became one of the most important qualities.
On a late spring afternoon in 1951, the air was solemn in the office of a military region in Beijing. Chairman Mao's anger was ignited by the embezzlement case of the two officers, and the atmosphere in the whole room was like a tense string. At this time, Liu Yalou, the commander of the Air Force, walked into the room and prepared to report on his work.
Chairman Mao looked at Liu Yalou and suddenly ordered solemnly: "You salute me!" Liu Yalou reacted immediately and raised his hand to give a military salute. This act inadvertently reveals the shabby corners of his military uniform, which are covered in patches.
Chairman Mao's gaze followed Liu Yalou's movements and fell on those patches. Liu Yalou was slightly embarrassed, but he knew that the chairman was not paying attention to what he was wearing.
"How much does the construction of your Air Force cost a year?" Chairman Mao asked.
"Probably a few hundred billion." Liu Yalou replied, thinking in his heart that he didn't know why the chairman came to ask this.
Chairman Mao took a deep breath, with a hint of imperceptible tremor in his tone: "You have to handle hundreds of billions of dollars a year, but you are wearing patched clothes, Liu Qingshan and Zhang Zishan should be killed, but you Liu Yalou, I never doubt it." ”
This trust is like a warm spring breeze, Liu Yalou was extremely moved, but he didn't know how to respond.
Chairman Mao patted him on the shoulder, "I saw you sewing and mending this dress last year, why are you still wearing it this year, go to make two new clothes, and the organization can't disobey the order!" ”
Liu Yalou replied a little shyly, "It's me who wears my own clothes, and my wife sewed them for me when she saw it. ”
After Chairman Mao heard this, his expression softened, and he asked about the situation at Liu Yalou's house, "How is your wife doing?" ”
A trace of worry flashed in Liu Yalou's eyes, "I asked her to learn knowledge, if I go to see Marx one day, she can find a job alone to support herself and her children." ”
Hearing this, Chairman Mao's eyes were slightly red, and his emotions became excited, "Don't say these discouraged words, the country needs you, the people need you, and you have to serve the country well." ”
This dialogue is not only a personal concern for Liu Yalou, but also reflects Chairman Mao's deep friendship with the older generation of communists and his concern for the difficult situation at the grassroots level. In those days, such conversations were not just daily exchanges, but also spiritual encouragement and expectations for the future.
In the days that followed, Liu Yalou worked harder in the construction of the Air Force, whether it was technical updates or pilot training, he did it himself. His incorruptibility and dedication were passed down in the military and became a powerful spiritual pillar for the Air Force.
A few years later, Liu Yalou suffered misfortune in a flight accident, and Chairman Mao was very sad when he learned the bad news. He personally wrote an elegy for Liu Yalou, praising him as a loyal defender of the country and an outstanding leader of the Air Force. Although Liu Yalou died young, his contribution to the construction of the Air Force and his spirit of selfless dedication have become a model for future generations to admire.
The story of Liu Yalou is not only a legend of a soldier, but also a microcosm of the style of the military leadership in the early days of New China. At that time, material scarcity was extremely scarce, but spiritual prosperity became an important force to support the country's development. Liu Yalou's perseverance and dedication reflect not only his personal brilliance, but also the glory of an era.